Introduction

This book is aimed at Information Technology professionals who are working with Microsoft SQL Server or who intend to use it as a development platform. Many books are written on the broad aspects of SQL Server or just on its administration. This book focuses on programming, with particular emphasis on the features of SQL Server 2000. However, references are made to releases 6.5 and 7.0 because we know there are still many installations of these releases in production today. These references will show you what’s in and what’s out, to get you up to speed on the new technology and enable you to upgrade your skills smoothly.

This book does not limit itself to single trivial examples. Rather, multiple cases are given of each feature in order to enforce your understanding. Not only are you provided with numerous examples, you are also shown real-world scenarios with real-world solutions, making this book a “must have” in your toolbox. Much of the code you will see is based upon cries for help posted in the Usenet newsgroup or from the readers of SQL Server Professional or SQL Server Magazine.

If you are a newbie or an old pro, this book is designed to develop you into a skilled, disciplined Transact-SQL programmer. If you are new to SQL Server, don’t be intimidated by the title. SQL is easy to learn. Doing it well is why this book is essential reading. The basics are covered in Appendix A for you to review and to help you if you are new to SQL.